Tag: Overwatch

So yesterday Blizzard released the patch that brought us the Lunar Festival patch which is in celebration of the Year of the Rooster. I like may others I looked forward to this because of the seasonal skins that were released in the past. I especially looked forward to the new Mei skins.

Now I originally was taken back from the look because she looks A-Mei–Zing. Then you realize that there is something a little off, her waist. It’s a little thin. Did it bother me, yes. But not enough to feel like it was a giant deal that was until a couple minutes ago.

Someone on my Facebook mocked the idea that Blizzard came out saying that they were going to fix this bug. The person also made the point that gamers are whinny, and yes, we are.

“Juan Carlos FloresNow I remember why I hid your post. What you don’t understand is that yes this is a game that defies reality like many games do. But this game, unlike many other games out there shows women as they are. Strong WOMEN… They don’t need to over sex these women because they have great stories. They are strong characters. If you were an actual fan of this game beyond controlling points and unlocking loot crates maybe you would care too. Mei is a climatologist who happens to also not be the size of a grain of rice. And the fact that the bug makes her look as if she is waist training or by extension ashamed of her extra weight can offend some people. Because oh I don’t know maybe because some of the people who play this game look up to her. We live in a time where we often find inspiration in the most usual places. Yes gamers are whinny and entitled pieces of shit. But you are wrong here. Understand the difference. It goes beyond a bug or the game.”

Now maybe I’m out of line and sure it’s just a game. But if this weekend’s past women’s march has taught me anything. Don’t you dare try to hide the strength and power of a strong woman.

Made a quick video for Sombra’s gear. I’m too excited about her. The Hype is real and I’m fan-boying hard. I plan to make more but honestly who knows but I am in love with Sombra already. I look forward to raging over the fact that I can’t play her very well in the near future.

As excited as I was when the Summer Games released their special collectible skins and what not. This Halloween one is an omen of amazing things to come from Blizzard. I can’t get over how awesome this patch is.

Earlier today Blizzard released their third animated shot entitled “Dragons.”

The animated short “Dragons” delves a little deeper into the rocky relationship between Hanzo and his brother Genji. We learned that the two were brothers when the announcement trailer of new characters dropped a while back during the closed the beta. But never really knew the extent to why the two were on opposite sides.

The video goes into some detail setting up the two characters’ bio in a classic Japanese story telling kind of way. Which is ultimately leading to the final climax between the two brothers on a balcony in Hanamura. The video is jam packed with emotions and feels. For me at least it’s inspired me to work on my ninja skills when Overwatch drops later this month on the 24th.

I’ve been a little strung out this week with catching up on some work that I needed to give my attention to. Today specifically I’am running on five to six hours of sleep. Also I have been spending a lot of my time playing the Overwatch beta, and let’s be honest I saw this coming. It’s a rough feeling tired and sleepy knowing that the beta ends on the ninth. Meh, I’ll power through it.

With the early release of the public beta on the 2nd of this month. I’ve been glued to my PC and for good reason. Is it everything thing that I thought it would be, hell yes.That and more. I’m in love with this game but I also kind of hate it. In the “love/hate” kind of sense. I’m pretty sure that in my sleep my fingers are striking the “‘A’ ‘S”D”W'” formation frantically. But regardless I couldn’t be happier that I have finally gotten my hands on this game.

It’s funny because in the days of “Onlywatch,” which seems like years ago now, I thought I would really be into certain characters. Specifically D.Va and Tracer. Playing the game however actually proved to be different. Every game scenario is different and requires you to adjust your character preference. Sure you can yell expletives at your monitor because your team refuses to group up and “Push the F***ing Payload!” or you can adjust your tactic and carry your s*** team. I laugh at this because this I what I meant by love/hate. But adjusting your character preference has proven to be the most exciting thing about this game. Sure kill streaks are fun and it looks cool when your character’s icon is inflamed but what is really great is when you start to love a character that you didnt think you would. That feeling is even more enhanced when you fight in that characters specific map and you see a statue in her honor and she says “I’am Mother Russia.” – Zayra. Or even when you play as Mei and she’s happy to be home. It just makes you want to play better with them. It makes me want them to continue their legacy whatever that may be.

The game is only in beta form but it seems ready to hit the shelves. It’s so well made it’s kind of ridiculous. Sure we can nitpick and say the turrets are ridiculously overpowered and Bastion is a son of a witch with a capital B. But we can only hope Blizzard adjust these things before launch and nerfs Bastion. That’s my request. But tonight I’m grateful to have a second to reflect on the game in it’s beta form. I’m glad and I thank Blizzard for giving us all this chance to try the game out before launch. Because running this game at a constant 70 frames at high graphics settings is a huge sigh of relief. I don’t think I could play this on a console. I’ll buy it for it but I don’t know if I dedicate my Overwatch career to console play. I can feel myself becoming a PC snob. Hopefully not.

But in the meantime please enjoy this “Play of The Game” highlight I received playing as another of my favorites, Widowmaker. It’s a triple kill by the way!

“It Is A Redemption Story”

It’s been a long time since I have felt a huge need or desire to play/be apart of a game. The last game that I looked forward to was the release of “Skyrim” and “Assassin’s Creed Revelations.” Now as great as Skyrim was and is, Revelations let me down. The story and characters that I grew to know and love suddenly were changing. Plot holes were rampant and the overall story of the game was changed. It wasn’t the same and hasn’t been the same. The franchise that I spent hours of my time in running around in had a different unfamiliar feel. Since that year I have yet to hype a game. This is probably why when a new games is announced I am never too excited.

This is where Overwatch comes into play. Overwatch has been in development since probably before 2014 and for whatever reason I couldn’t tell you. I can’t stop looking forward to this game. A team based shooter made by probably one of my favorite game developers of all time. A company that sent me a trial version of World of Warcraft when I was 11. There is something about this game that has me reminiscing about the PC games of old. And when Gamespot started their mini documentary series of Overwatch I realized why I’am so excited. It’s because it is a game of old. Just honed and sharpened for the present.

But seriously though, it’s a blizzard game and a competitive game at that. So that means we all need to be prepared for gaming elitist and “gg-ers.”

When the first video was released (Thursday 21) I was super excited to see some behind the scenes development of the game but what we got was something much more rewarding. Blizzard opened up to us. They let us in and see their raw core game developers have but hide by constantly releasing half decent, mostly unfinished games every year. They showed us who they are and what they are trying to build in this video series.

If you haven’t seen them I implore you to do so. Watch them. Take the time and look at each of them. Study how they feel about this project but especially Jeff Kaplan and Chirs Metzen. Look at the passion and defeat that is in their eyes. They are hopeful this game will bring them a whole new reputation and not the reputation that Blizzard takes other peoples ideas and just makes them their own and better. (Several people have made this comment to me I don’t believe it but understand it) No, this game is going to trail blaze a new reputation with us gamers and I look forward to it.

It’s going to be the shooter we didn’t even know we needed. The Beta has proved that already.

If making video shorts weren’t enough to get fans asking for more, theses comic shorts will continue the hype until launch May 25th. Today Blizzard released new media that continues to fill in Overwatch’s character and story background. And I am all about them.

The dual pistol hauling, bullet slinging McCree is the face of the very first issue. Blizzard has done a phenomenal job at leaving hints and notes of the story’s past through out the beta and on Battle.net. But nothing like the video shorts or the comics. McCree’s brief story line can be found on his “Story” page but the comic will delve a little deeper into exactly who McCree was before the start of Overwatch.

Comic still from the comic itself. McCree’s brief story entry to follow.

“JUSTICE AIN’T GONNA DISPENSE ITSELF.”

“Armed with his Peacekeeper revolver, the outlaw Jesse McCree doles out justice on his own terms.

McCree had already made a name for himself as a member of the notorious Deadlock Gang, which trafficked in illicit weapons and military hardware throughout the American Southwest, when he and his associates were busted in an Overwatch sting operation. With his expert marksmanship and resourcefulness, he was given the choice between rotting in a maximum-security lockup and joining Blackwatch, Overwatch’s covert ops division. He chose the latter.

Although he was initially cynical, he came to believe that he could make amends for his past sins by righting the injustices of the world. McCree appreciated the flexibility afforded to the clandestine Blackwatch, unhindered by bureaucracy and red tape. But as Overwatch’s influence waned, rogue elements within Blackwatch sought to bring down the organization and turn it to their own ends. Wanting no part of the infighting, McCree set off alone and went underground.

He resurfaced several years later as a gunslinger for hire. But while McCree’s talents are sought after by parties great and small, he fights only for causes he believes are just.” – Battle.Net

“Cheers love” Tracer is here. Starting today (April 19) those who have digitally pre-ordered Overwatch: Origins Edition through Battle.net can begin using her in the fight for the Nexus. If you, like myself, have pre-ordered somewhere else she’ll be available on the 24th of May. For those who are just looking to purchase Tracer out right. She’ll be available April 26.

Tracer’s Hero of the Storm spotlight video can be seen below. And it is fantastic!

Some scans from the book that I “commandeered” from work. You can’t really tell from the scans but the pages have this really nice shimmer gloss print to it. It’s one of the reason why I had to rescue it. Enjoy!

As of 9 o’clock PDT today this morning, Overwatch entered its last invite only beta. Did you get in? Because I, like many did not. And I am so, SO salty about it.

I honestly felt like I had a good chance this time around. Mostly because this was a specific North American stress test, still no dice.

However I will say that yesterday at work didn’t help the hype. Because we got this marketing kit for Overwatch, which was full of lanyards, wristbands, posters, signs, stickers, and a beautifully made game and character breakdown book. I mean this thing is so good looking. My entire time working at GameStop I have never seen a higher quality Manager Kit then this one. So I took it! We don’t need it. Everyone is well versed on the game and if I were to leave it, it would be end up on the floor or in the hands of some crazy child showing his mother a game he knows nothing about. Yes, I’m justifying my theft. There’s also this pop open sign with character art of Winston and Widomaker with two empty slots with the words “Coming Soon.”

But just because I didn’t get into this beta doesn’t mean I’m giving up on this game. I will continue to look forward to the open beta coming in May. I won’t be one of those salty tweeters who went from being super hopeful to super spiteful in a matter of seconds. Although I am strong enough to say that I was pretty close to doing so last night. Not anymore. I’m fine…